John Wicks, lead singer/songwriter for power-pop favorites The Records, has died

John Wicks, the lead singer and songwriter for The Records, the late-’70s/early-’80s U.K. power-pop combo best known for their cult-favorite single “Starry Eyes,” has died following a years-long struggle with cancer, according to friends and a former bandmate.

Will Birch, The Records’ drummer, tweeted this afternoon: “RIP John Wicks my friend and former partner in song. I’ll never get you outta my starry eyes.”

The L.A. Weekly reported that Wicks — a longtime Los Angeles resident — died this morning at a hospice in Burbank, Calif. According to a GoFundMe page established in 2015 to help cover costs of Wicks’ medical treatment, he was “suffering from a rare form of pancreatic cancer (stage 4) that has spread to his liver.”

The Records formed formed in 1978 and made an immediate impression with their debut single, “Starry Eyes.” In the band’s original incarnation, they’d release three albums for Virgin Records — 1979’s Shades in Bed, 1980’s Crashes and 1982’s Music on Both Sides — bridging the punk and new wave eras.

The group disbanded in 1982, and Wicks went on to work as a producer and songwriter, and later brought The Records back, and worked on his own solo material as well.

RIP John Wicks my friend and former partner in song I’ll never get you outta my starry eyes. Love to Val, Perry, and all. pic.twitter.com/CaXOXp64Pj

Remembering The Records’ John Wicks. John was a true gentleman, came to GbV shows, even opened up for us once in ‘97. A gentle melodic soul & a lovely human being. He will be so greatly missed. May he rest in peace. (This photo is from Los Angeles, 2016) pic.twitter.com/tRcAnFKOUn

I am deeply saddened by the news our dear friend John Wicks passed away today after a long battle with cancer. He was a big musical influence on many of us and a good friend to all who were blessed to know him. My heart is with his sweet Valerie Bliss, their family & friends . pic.twitter.com/I2Oynacp26